เรา
we
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 we、us、our
- 2 I、me、my
- 3 people、we in general、one
- 4 you [to someone close or lower in status]
เรา is a flexible pronoun most basically meaning “we/us/our.” In casual speech it can also mean “I/me/my,” in general statements it can mean “people/we in general,” and in limited situations it can address someone as “you.”
we、us、our
The core use refers to a group that includes the speaker. It can function as subject, object, or possessive depending on context.
I、me、my
In casual, friendly speech, เรา can refer to the speaker alone as “I/me/my.” It sounds soft and familiar, not formal.
-
เราชอบเพลงนี้ raw chɔ̂ɔp phleeŋ níi I like this song. เราชอบเพลงนี้ details
-
เราไม่รู้เหมือนกัน raw mây rúu mʉ̌an kan I don’t know either. เราไม่รู้เหมือนกัน details
people、we in general、one
This use refers broadly to people in general, often including both speaker and listener. It is common in advice, explanations, and general statements.
-
เวลาเหนื่อย เราควรพัก weelaa nʉ̀ay raw khuan phák When we are tired, we should rest. เวลาเหนื่อย เราควรพัก details
-
เราควรให้ความสำคัญกับการออกกำลังกาย raw khuan hây khwaam sǎmkhan kàp kaan ɔ̀ɔk kamlaŋ kaay We should make exercise a priority. เราควรให้ความสำคัญกับการออกกำลังกาย details
you [to someone close or lower in status]
As a second-person pronoun, เรา can mean “you,” but only in certain relationships, often toward someone younger, lower in status, or very close.
-
เราชื่ออะไร raw chʉ̂ʉ aray What’s your name? เราชื่ออะไร details
-
เราทำการบ้านหรือยัง raw tham kaan bâan rʉ̌ʉ yaŋ Have you done your homework yet? เราทำการบ้านหรือยัง details
Learning notes
Explanation
เรา does not change form for subject, object, or possession; context decides the role. เราไป can mean “we go” or “I go,” เขาเห็นเรา can mean “he saw us” or “he saw me,” and ของเรา can mean “our” or “my.” Use พวกเรา when you need to make the plural meaning clear. As a singular “I,” เรา sounds casual and friendly, so in formal, business, or first-meeting situations, pronouns such as ผม, ดิฉัน, or ฉัน are usually safer.
Usage
It is very common in everyday conversation: making plans with friends, talking about family or a group, casually stating your own preferences, and giving advice or general statements.
Caution
As “you,” เรา is not a general-purpose pronoun. With the wrong person, it can sound patronizing or as if you are treating them like a child. Learners should first master it as “we/us/our” and casual “I/me/my.”
Differences from similar words
1 we synonyms
2 I synonyms
3 people synonyms
-
คนเรา explicitly means “people” or “human beings.” เรา can express a general “we,” but it may also mean “we” or “I” depending on context.